Research Scientist 1 (Center for Dementia Research) (210-2026-44A)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Dr. Abid Hussaini is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join his laboratory at the Nathan Kline Institute in Orangeburg, NY. The Hussaini lab investigates the neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) using mouse models of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology, focusing on how these disease hallmarks lead to neuronal network dysfunction and cognitive deficits. The lab employs a systems neuroscience approach, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and behavioral testing to unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction in AD. The position is fully supported for up to 3 years by NIH grants, offering competitive salary and benefits.
The successful candidate will lead an independent project aimed at understanding the selective vulnerability of entorhinal cortex and locus coeruleus neurons in AD pathology and its downstream effects on other brain regions. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in a supportive and collaborative environment, situated in the vibrant scientific community of New York (Rockland County).

Interested candidates should submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter describing your research experience, scientific interests, and career goals and contact information for three professional references.

JOB DUTIES:

- Design and lead an independent research project on Alzheimer's disease in mouse models, focusing on in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and chemogenetics techniques. Plan, execute, and analyze complex experiments involving stereotaxic surgeries, electrode implantation, and behavioral testing
- Analyze and interpret large-scale data from in vivo electrophysiology and behavioral experiments, collaborating with computational neuroscientists on advanced neural data analysis
- Develop and optimize new experimental protocols as needed, maintaining detailed records of experiments, analyses, and results
- Present research findings at lab meetings, scientific conferences, and seminars. Prepare and publish high-quality manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
- Contribute to grant writing and funding applications, staying current with the latest developments in AD research and neuroscience techniques
- Mentor and supervise junior lab members, including graduate students and research technicians.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and two years of professional research experience in an appropriate field or master's degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in electrophysiology techniques (preferably in vivo) and proficient in rodent surgeries
• Track record of writing and publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals, with a solid understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• In-depth knowledge of systems neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease literature
• Experience in neurodegenerative disease research, particularly Alzheimer's disease
• Hands-on experience with optogenetics and chemogenetics
• Expertise in performing stereotaxic injections and implanting electrodes for in vivo recordings
• Proficiency in data analysis programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R)
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or students

Background Investigation/Justice Center Review Requirements:

Prospective appointees will be: 1) Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment. 2) Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

*The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - Disabled/Veteran, 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.

Applications will only be accepted through website at: http://corporate.rfmh.org - Click on Employment Opportunities. Applications will be accepted only during the posting dates as listed at the top of the job announcement.

Questions regarding this position please email: hrprocessing@nki.rfmh.org